Victims of injustice have many faces

You may meet people each day who are victims of exploitation.

We've been fighting for justice worldwide and here at home for more than 150 years.

Our commitment to Doing The Most Good® has positioned us as a leader in combatting human trafficking, aiding the abused, advocating for the poor, hungry, exploited, and underpaid, and more. Likewise, we follow Christ's command to care for the prisoner, rehabilitating them so they don't offend again. And, our world missions work builds infrastructures to ensure all children have access to education and single mothers can learn skills to earn a liveable wage.

Fighting for justice means ensuring that everyone deserves and has access to equal economic, social rights and opportunities.

The poor and destitute are much more likely to fall victim to trafficking schemes, or domestic violence. While slavery is commonly thought to be a thing of the past, human trafficking still generates billions of dollars in profits from sex workers and forced labor today. These people, whom God loves, are robbed of their dignity. The Salvation Army exists to imitate Christ; providing freedom to the oppressed, solace to the brokenhearted and good news to the poor (see Luke 4:18-19).

The Salvation Army helps fight for justice in the Midwest through:

Anti-Human Trafficking Programs

Throughout the Midwest, Salvation Army offers frontline advocacy and care for human trafficking survivors. In Chicago alone, our STOP-IT program is a national model that leads the way in fighting human trafficking.

Awareness and Advocacy

The Salvation Army has built strong relationships with local partners and coalitions to raise public awareness of injustices - from human trafficking and domestic abuse to mistreatment of the poor. From voicing our concern in city halls to state houses over sustainable funding or proposed legislation that would negatively impact victims, we answer the call in the name of all those we liberate. In some areas, we even offer legal aid to the poor. Additionally, we hold specialized awareness trainings in order for case managers and every day people to identify signs of abuse and trafficking.

Domestic Violence Shelters

Our shelters are open to anyone in need of help. Many times, our shelters for women and children provide a safe space for someone who has taken the brave step to get out of an abusive situation. Long-term, these victims can find a new start with our transitional or permanent, supportive housing options.

Rehabilitating the Incarcerated

For us, fighting for justice must also include reaching out to those who need correctional care. For men and women in prison, those about to be released or those freed after serving time, compassion can be the difference between a new life path or repeat incarceration. Our staff members minister to survivors, offenders and their families. We work to restore individuals to their rightful role in society. For those combatting an addiction, The Salvation Army operates the largest free drug and alcohol rehabilitation program in the U.S. Our Adult Rehabilitation Centers help people recover, and put families back together again.

Supporting World Missions Work

We invest in countries around the world where the primary injustice may be lacking access to education or skills training. We build schools to ensure children can learn, and train single mothers with skills that help them earn a fair and liveable wage to support their families.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.